Crop Advantage Series Provides Agronomic Research And Cost Control Strategies

 

 

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will offer the Crop Advantage Series to producers at 14 locations across Iowa during January 2016. Each year, ISU Exension and Outreach specialists and field agronomists present the lastest crop production research and information for the upcoming growing season to producers, agronomists and industry leaders.

 

This year’s Crop Advantage Series will focus on the importance of risk management programs and controlling costs.

 

 

“It's important to discuss these topics as we go into our second year of prices averaging below Iowa State’s estimated production costs,” said Chad Hart, associate professor in economics and extension grain markets specialist. “Profits will be harder to come by and many producers will need to pay more attention to the financial side of their farm business.”

 

Each location features a full agenda of workshops that attendees can choose from to develop a personalized agenda. ISU Extension and Outreach field agronomists will present program topics focusing on county needs and production issues.

 

“We recognize that every farm situation is unique, so there's isn't one key piece of information,” said Hart. “We are providing a menu of strategies that producers can choose from as they look to control costs, maintain or enhance productivity and search for profitability.”

 

In addition to discussing the economic returns of crop production, extension field agronomists will present program topics focusing on local needs and production issues. Topics will include: crop market outlook, farm bill decisions, corn disease update, corn rootworm management, nitrogen recommendations, managing soybean Sudden Death Syndrome, herbicide and weed control and others.

 

“The Crop Advantage Series is a great format, as it is a chance to hear the latest agronomic research, while also exploring the economic returns to crop production,” said Hart.

 

Over 2,000 producers annually participate in the regional Crop Advantage Series meetings. All meetings are approved for Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) continuing education credits, and every location offers the opportunity for private pesticide applicators to receive continuing education credits.

 

“Response from producers has been very positive, and we’ve seen tremendous growth in attendance for the series over the years. In addition to receiving the latest research information from the university, the meetings have been a valuable way for producers to provide input back to Iowa State researchers and specialists on what their needs are," said Joel DeJong, extension field agronomist in northwest Iowa. "It works both ways."

 

Early registration for each location is $50; late registration made less than seven days prior to the meeting or on-site is $60. Registration includes lunch, printed proceedings, private pesticide applicator recertification and CCA credits. Online registration and additional information is available at http://www.cropadvantage.org/ or from a local ISU Extension office.